Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

personal space

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.91 in modern English

Syllables: per-son-al s-pace
IPA

19

Scrabble Score

13

Letters

4

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The physical space closely surrounding a person, which can lead to discomfort, anger or anxiety if it is encroached.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

An area which can be regarded as belonging to a person privately, in which to place belongings, etc.

Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

"It is customary, moreover, for those sharing a cabin to while away train journeys chatting on the two bottom bunks, which is likely to jar with many Westerners' narrower conceptions of personal space and ownership (especially if they have paid top dollar for the prized bottom bunk)."
"Like long-term couple Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton, who famously live in separate houses, I believe that personal space is the key to a healthy relationship."

Usage

Inflected Forms

personal spaces (plural)

Questions

What does personal space mean?: The physical space closely surrounding a person, which can lead to discomfort, anger or anxiety if it is encroached.

How to pronounce personal space

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “personal space”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “personal space”.
Repeat and practice — Say “personal space” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.